Comparison of the Instant Effect of Different Foot Interventions on Balance and Reaction Time

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to compare the instant effects of different foot interventions on balance and reaction time in healthy individuals.
METHODS: The study was conducted as a single-blind randomized controlled trial. A total of 102 healthy participants who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study and divided into three groups: Group I (the static stretching group), Group II (the static stretching and self-massage group), and Group III (the static stretching and massage group). Participants underwent single-leg balance tests with eyes open and closed, the Y-balance test, and the Nelson foot reaction test, both before and after the intervention. Demographic data were collected through a questionnaire.
RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found between pre- and post-intervention values of the single-leg standing test with eyes open and closed among the groups (p < 0.05). In the group comparison, it was observed that the pre-intervention values of Group III for the single-leg standing test with eyes open were higher than those of Group I and Group II (p<0.017). No statistically significant differences were found between pre- and post-intervention values for the Y-balance test among the groups (p>0.05). However, the post-intervention values of the Nelson test for Group II were found to be higher than those of Group I (p<0.017).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The findings of the study indicate that self-massage and massage applications have positive effects on balance and reaction time.